Florida State picked up the commitment of Western Kentucky defensive end Deante McCray on Friday. McCray, who is from Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood High, was an All-Conference USA honorable mention pick this past season.

His commitment comes on the heels of his visit to Florida State which came just one day after finishing his redshirt sophomore season with the Hilltoppers in the Boca Raton Bowl against James Madison.

FSU announced McCray's signing on Saturday.

"I'm excited to add Deante McCray to our Nole Family,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “He is a productive player who has shown great ability to be a force in the run game as well as create constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The best days are ahead for him, and I'm excited for the impact he will make here at Florida State."

McCray appeared in 26 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, recording 101 total tackles (42 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

"They've treated me well," McCray said earlier on Friday after wrapping up his visit. "I like the coaching staff. I like what they've got going on here. I've just been blessed to have this opportunity."

McCray has experience playing in the 3-3-5 defense as WKU. He said the FSU defensive coaches, including line coach Terrance Knighton, said they will be multiple up front with their down linemen.

"He told me this is definitely a spot that I could definitely thrive and make it to the league from and all my aspirations and dreams could be accomplished here," McCray said of his conversation with Knighton.

He played in all 14 of Western Kentucky's games this year, where he was involved in 519 plays from scrimmage. According to PFF stats, McCray led the Hilltoppers in total quarterback pressures with 21 in 191 pass rush situations. He finished fifth on the team in tackles with 59 stops including three TFLs and 2.5 sacks.

McCray has two years of eligibility remaining. He is the second defensive end to commit or sign with FSU since the transfer portal opened on Dec. 9. James Williams signed with FSU earlier this week, following new Seminoles defensive coordinator Tony White to Tallahassee from Nebraska.

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